Quake kills 4 in Chechnya; several buildings destroyed

Moscow, Oct 11 (UNI) At least four people were killed and many buildings destroyed in Chechnya in an earthquake measuring about 5.5 on the Richter Scale today.

RIA Novosti news agency quoting the spokesman for the Russian North Caucasus Republic's Emergencies Ministry Akhmed Dzheirkhanov, said buildings had been destroyed in several districts of Chechnya as well as in the capital, Grozny, and the cities of Gudermes and Argun.

The residents of Grozny, especially those living in multi-storey buildings, were reported to be leaving their homes in fear of more tremors.

Interfax news agency reported the quake rattled Grozny for more than 30 seconds.

People in the neighbouring republics of North Ossetia, Daghestan, Ingushetia and Kabardino-Balkaria, as well as the Stavropol Territory, were also affected by the earthquake.

Russia's Caucasus Mountain region sees occasional earthquakes.

Most buildings are not reinforced against severe structural shocks and even small quakes can cause serious damage.